The Three Calls

Verse 1

O slumberer, rouse thee! despise not the truth; But give thy Creator the days of thy youth; Why standest here idle?—the day breaketh,—see! The Lord of the vineyard is waiting for thee! “Holy Spirit, by Thy power, Grant me yet another hour; Earthly pleasures I would prove, Earthly joys, and earthly love; Scarcely yet hath dawned the day; Holy Spirit, wait, I pray!”

Chorus

Hark! borne on the wind is the bell’s solemn toil; ‘Tis mournfully pealing the knell of the soul; The Spirit’s sweet pleadings and strivings are o’er; The Lord of the vineyard stands waiting no more!

Verse 2

O loiterer, speed thee! the morn wears apace; Then squander no longer the moments of grace; But hast while there’s time! with the Master agree; The Lord of the vineyard stands waiting for thee! “Gentle Spirit, stay, oh stay! Brightly beams the earthly day; Let me linger in these bowers; God shall have my noonday hours; Chide me not for my delay; Gentle Spirit, wait, I pray!”

Verse 3

O sinner, arouse thee! thy morning is past; Already the shadows are lengthening fast; Escape for thy life! from the dark mountains flee; The Lord of the vineyard still waiteth for thee! “Spirit, case thy mournful lay, Leave me to myself I pray; Earth hath flung her spell around me, Pleasure’s silken chain hath bound me; When the sun his path has trod, Spirit, then I’ll turn to God!”